The Potential of Subsurface As-Builts: Enhancing Construction Efficiency

The Potential of Subsurface As-Builts: Enhancing Construction Efficiency

In the construction and excavation industry, precision and accuracy play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of workers, the integrity of structures below and above ground, and the timely completion of projects. When aiming to maintain utmost accuracy, leveraging infrastructure asset management technology becomes a worthwhile investment.

Subsurface as-builts are critical for accurately representing the underground landscape. Even a small inch of error can lead to significant consequences, potentially impacting multiple blocks. This underscores the importance of accurate, easily accessible, and comprehensible data.

Traditionally, workers relied on as-builts to document the location of various structures and features. Unfortunately, this approach presented high risks and often resulted in mistakes. Relying solely on as-builts was a perilous gamble, with consequences ranging from project delays to catastrophic destruction. This risk is further amplified in subsurface work. As a result, employing additional technology is essential in accurately mapping what is vital and what is not.

An example of an underground utility map inside SiteMap

Welcome to SiteMap® (patent pending) powered by GPRS, our cutting-edge solution that bolsters construction efficiency through the utilization of subsurface as-builts.

The Importance of Subsurface As-Builts

Traditionally, as-built drawings have provided visual representations of the final state of above-ground projects. However, with subsurface as-builts, construction professionals and government agencies gain access to a comprehensive and accurate picture of infrastructure, both above and below ground. Creating subsurface as-builts involves advanced technology such as ground penetrating radar and laser concrete scanning. These technologies seamlessly combine to create clear and easily understandable images of the subsurface as-built. Embracing this technology is driving a revolution in construction and utility management, constantly expanding the benefits it offers.

Furthermore, the data provided by these as-builts, along with GPRS, can facilitate the development of subsurface structural models. This is invaluable for extending structural interpretations into areas of limited resolution, as well as for applications like rapid reservoir appraisal, seismic processing, well planning, and borehole stability analysis.

Benefits of Subsurface As-Builts

In everyday practical use, these as-builts offer convenient solutions for standard construction and utility work. Some of the benefits include:

Accurate Utility Locates

At GPRS, we understand the critical importance of accurate utility locates. Misrepresentation of such information can have severe consequences. That's why we employ advanced technologies like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), electromagnetic imaging, CCTV pipe inspection, and more to intelligently visualize the built world. By utilizing our SiteMap® solution, clients who have used our services gain access to a complimentary subscription that allows easy access to their site data from any preferred device. Our data is presented in real-time and is consistently updated within a mere five minutes upon job completion. This valuable information can greatly contribute to the advancement, benefits, and security of subsurface utility engineering practices. Although GPRS does not provide SUE directly, we offer unwavering support to significantly enhance its effectiveness in several ways:

Accurate depictions and visually intuitive representations of utility data help prevent unnecessary utility relocations.

Precise knowledge of utility locations reduces unexpected conflicts and enhances safety measures.

By ensuring crews can safely and accurately complete their work, our services minimize costs, delays, and potential incidents.

Effortless Record Keeping

We understand the importance of proper record keeping, especially when it comes to sensitive site data. Losing critical information can lead to considerable setbacks, requiring additional time and resources. In certain cases, this can even pose significant safety risks. Rest assured, at GPRS, we prioritize data security to eliminate the potential loss of information. Our services prevent delays, preserve confidentiality, and help create safer work environments.

SiteMap® provides convenient access to all your utility information, which is layered, mapped, and cross-referenced. Our information is highly accurate, backed by rigorous training processes that include OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 certification, First Aid training, ERail Safe, and more. At GPRS, we utilize SIM, a standard that emphasizes equipment, training, and methodology. With SIM, our elite team of Project Managers use multiple technologies, undergo extensive training, and follow an extended checklist to ensure optimal results.

A layered subsurface utility map example in plan view

We collect accurate and timely data, which is then visualized in easy-to-understand maps, graphics, and layers. This data is readily accessible through our client's personal SiteMap® account, ensuring it is never lost and easily retrievable for accuracy and record-keeping purposes.

Collaborative Data Management

Once the comprehensive mapping and modeling work is complete, the data is uploaded to a personal portal where clients and their crew can easily view the most relevant information. Our data collection methods include 3D laser scanning, concrete scanning, outdoor and interior utility locating, CCTV video pipe inspection, and even drone imagery. With a SiteMap® subscription, clients can securely access and share all as-builts and location data, ensuring up-to-date information reaches the right people at the right time. This streamlines collaboration and improves overall project efficiency.

Experience a streamlined and efficient way to manage your utility information with SiteMap®. Visit our website to learn more.

An Additional Benefit of Sub-Surface As-Builts

While subsurface as-builts are instrumental in helping construction and utility crews visualize the underground environment, they also serve educational purposes.

Ever wondered about the depth at which our basements are placed or how we prevent our structures from sinking into the ground? Subsurface geology is the study of the physical properties and location of rock and soil beneath the surface. Through subsurface as-builts, researchers of subsurface geology gain insights into how man-made and natural underground components interact. While GPR and EM locating techniques don't identify soil types, they significantly influence the effectiveness of the locating process. Soil boring, provided by our environmental services, constitutes a major part of our geology exploration.

Understanding the subsurface has immense value in assessing the underlying materials beneath our man-made structures. This knowledge aids in identifying geologic hazards and implementing disaster prevention measures. Additionally, it allows us to ascertain the location and utilization of available resources. Notably, the construction industry heavily relies on sand and gravel mining, which serve as essential raw materials for producing concrete and asphalt for roads, homes, and other structures. By enhancing our understanding of the quantity and quality of these resources in deposit areas, we can make informed decisions during the mining process.

Experience this added advantage through our website.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa at Sunset

This comprehensive study holds significant importance beyond surface-level, thereby impacting our world directly. If a legitimate geologic analysis had taken place in 1360, the renowned Leaning Tower of Pisa would simply be the Tower of Pisa. Construction on the tower commenced in 1173, during a time when engineers and architects possessed limited knowledge about the soil composition beneath their feet compared to our present understanding. Their belief in a three-meter foundation proved inadequate due to a lack of comprehension regarding the complexity of the soil profile, resulting in a deviation from their initial calculations regarding stability.

These studies not only aid in constructing our surroundings, but also play a vital role in safeguarding and comprehending groundwater aquifers to ensure a steady supply of clean water. Subsurface as-builts facilitate subterranean geographic surveys, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being and progress of the world above ground.

SiteMap®, powered by GPRS, supports geologic studies with precise subsurface as-builts, employing cutting-edge technology and backed by a team of passionate, top-notch professionals. This data is crucial for acquiring knowledge about how the world beneath us influences the world above.

Subsurface as-builts are a vital aspect of underground data, catering to numerous critical applications such as construction precision, safety, highway studies, and geographic analysis, among others.

SiteMap® will also serve as a repository for comprehensive GPRS data, maps, and models, providing data that fuels both above-ground and below-ground projects. Without accurate data and subsurface as-builts, construction and utility crews would be exposing themselves and their community to significant risks while compromising structures and the overall understanding of our surroundings. With a reliable infrastructure asset management software in place, you can execute your project safely, performing tasks such as building, cutting, coring, and digging. Subsurface as-builts simplify your project. Keep it simple with SiteMap®, powered by GPRS.

Contact us today to explore how SiteMap® can contribute to your upcoming project.